unresponsive seller

[usachusa]

I made a mistaken purchase of a new iphone from a seller who does not accept returns but nevertheless  i quickly messaged him to ask for a refund.

The listing stated that it would be dispatched within two days but it is still waiting for dispatch five days later and the seller has not yet answered any of my daily messages politely requesting a refund.

Do i have any recourse for action against a seller who is simply exhibiting lack of good will.

I have been buying on ebay for 20 years and have never felt so 'at a loss'.

[plum993]

Your profile shows you as registered in Greece,and your posting on the UK board.

If you paid for the phone,then best report not received once the estimated delivery date has passed for a refund,escalating to a claim with ebay if you need to, within 30 days of opening.

[usachusa]

Thanks for the quick response.

Yes i am registered in Greece and make my purchases on european ebay ever since the advent of Brexit. But i am English so tend towards the English language option for advise.

I understand i can then at least plead my case, but if it does get dispatched and arrives before that window opens it seems there is nothing i can do as the seller does not accept returns. It is a pity that there is no obligation on a seller to dispatch on time stated or answer messages; which leaves a gaping hole in good seller practice. Both of which are to some extent covered on Etsy by loss of bestseller status.

[tressygirl · Accepted solution]

There is an obligation for a seller to dispatch on time,  if it leads to a late delivery  then you can open a case for item not as described for a full refund.

However, at this time of year ,  busy times for postal services,   so it's generous to give the seller some leeway if their item is a little late reaching you,  especially as it's an intenrnational delivery.

@usachusa 

[usachusa]

Thank you T.girl 'Item not as described' is very encouraging. Had the seller responded to my message one way or another,  i would  at least be in a position to buy an alternative present for my wife. A brand new iphone is a significant expense and is now in limbo. Had he responded one way or another to my multiple requests for a refund i would be in a better position to plan my xmas expenditure. She would love a new iphone but has small hands and unfortunately i purchased the 'max' version...... (my mistake)

[jckl1957]

If you have bought from a seller who does not accept returns, then they are clearly a private seller.

Ebay's rules are clear: private sellers do not have to accept cancellations.

You can request a cancellation; a seller can accept or refuse.

Other sites may have different rules, but you chose to buy on Ebay, so accepting all of their terms and conditions.

[usachusa]

"You can request a cancellation; a seller can accept or refuse." - How is one to know whether a seller accepts or refuses a request for cancellation?

Of course, it might also be that he is just ignoring my request which you would probably say is an answer in itself. But i cannot assume that, as, he also might simply be unaware of my message; just not paying attention - which might also explain his not getting on with the sending......Private or otherwise he is likely not the best ebay seller to buy from. (my mistake.)

Otherwise i have been happily buying on ebay for at least twenty years and have also at times been very pleased with their arbitration.